NYC Stories: Screening of student films

CT 210 Portrait Documentary

Course description: The class will cover the conceptual and technical aspects of documentary filmmaking, focusing most specifically on the “character” or portrait documentary. Through in-class exercises and out-of-class assignments, students will learn the fundamentals of single-camera video production: shooting, lighting, audio, and editing, as well as theoretical concepts and an understanding of different documentary styles. Students will produce two projects - a short documentary about a person on campus and a second piece about a person in the community.

A Shepherd of Healing (Fall 2017)

The film tells an intimate story of a veteran who went from college to the army and back to college after suffering a loss of his father. (TRT: 4:15)

Jazz Realm (Fall 2017)

By Tiffany Jones and Eunique Doran

Jazz Realm portrays Bayo Feyami, a York College alumni whose dream is to pursue a career in jazz. In the film, he talks about his influences, failures, and successes in his quest. (TRT: 5:09)

To Dance is to Live (Fall 2017)

By Donovan Budhai

A portrait of a classically trained Indian dancer and instructor who struggles between her Indian heritage and American upbringing (TRT: 5:46)

Aspired to Act (Fall 2017)

By Anthony Medina and Brittany Wright

A portrait of a theatre major who aspires to become an actor (4:13)

From Army to College (Fall 2017)

By Shivane Chandool and Sadat Rahman

A short documentary about a York College student who defied his family’s objection to join the army at the age of 17 (TRT: 4:46)

A Helping Hand for All (Fall 2017)

By Justin Sam and Jonathan Rodriguez

A story about a disability specialist who was inspired by her daughter who has learning disabilities (5:09)

The Barber (Fall 2016)

By Clive Lewis

Official selection, BMCC Film Festival 2018

A story about a barber who started by working as an apprentice and hopes to open his own barbershop eventually (5:38)

The Joy of Each Step (Fall 2015)

By Donovan Mulholland and Karen Palacio

Winner, Best Undergraduate Documentary, CUNY Film Festival 2017

Dancer Romina Cruz strives to become the best dancer possible. Born in Mexico, Cruz took her first dance lesson there but struggled to find money to continue her training.

Cruz’s determination has shaped her into the dancer she is today. Now living in the United States, she has performed at many conventions in New York City. Balancing school and dance, Cruz looks towards the future with optimism and faith. (11:14)